How to not PANIC in the Unexpected

The longer we live, the more we should come to the reality of the unpredictability of life events. Some of us do everything we can think off to keep our lives on the right course with little changes to the left or right. However, life happens and with it comes the unexpected whether it’s a job loss, relationship break ups, financial difficulty, etc. What can we do to not PANIC in the unexpected?

P – Pray to God for wisdom, courage, and strength to deal with it.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

God promises us wisdom when we ask for it—not just when things are normal but also when they are chaotic. We ask Him in faith and trust that He will give us what we need for that moment.

A – Ascertain what you can do—that is within your control.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

If we try to come up with all the worse scenarios, we can find ourselves paralyzed by fear and unable to do much. However, if we’ve asked God for wisdom, He will show us what we can do and control in the unexpected.

N – Now is the time to engage your faith in God.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

When times are tough, our faith in God needs to be engaged in our thinking and actions. Faith is believing and trusting in God even though we ourselves can’t see how the situation is going to work out.

I – Invite other people to pray and assist as needed.
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:11)

Humbling ourselves and asking for help takes greater courage for some than others. Yet, God has placed us in certain homes and communities to have a circle of family and friends to assist when needed.

C – Consider God’s bigger plan for your life.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

Even though we are surprised and got off guard…God is not. He has a greater and broader plan for our lives and the unexpected is a part of it. His glory is revealed as we put all of our trust in God to give us help and hope.

Prayer

Dear Lord, You are my strength and shield. I trust You to lead the way so that I can get through this situation. You are my God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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